Irish Friendly Could Light Forest Fire

The game against the Irish tonight in Dublin will probably come as a welcome respite from the rigours of the Championship and with a bit of luck could be the ignition for lift off, as far as the season goes for the Reds'.

The game has been arranged by Republic boss Giovanni Trapattoni, to take a look at some of his fringe players and also to give one or two, their first taste of international football.

From a Forest perspective there's two ways of looking at the game. It's either a meaningless friendly where the club risks picking up yet more injuries and a good pasting into the bargain, or it's the catalyst we need to kickstart our stuttering season. I hope it's the latter, because we could be in for a spanking.

Calderwood is away on a jolly up in China at present with CEO Mark Arthur, so David Kerslake will take control of things in Dublin. Although there will be no pressure on the lads tonight, a spanking will do little for moral. A few goals on the other hand, would do wonders for the confidence, but the Irish will have a decent team on show and they will be eager to impress Trapattoni. Forest will take any win, any way they can get it at present, even from a meaningless friendly in Dublin.

Click here to join in the debate on the club forum.